On the agenda: Rochester Commission Minutes – August 21, 2026 — data center (Aug 21)

MEETING OF THE SRPC EDD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Friday, August 21, 2026 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Hybrid Meeting (Conference Rm 1A, SRPC Office & via Zoom)
1. Introductions
At 9:00 AM, Chair Paul Rasmussen called the meeting to order and asked for
introductions.
Commissioners present: Paul Rasmussen, Durham; Michael Lehrman, Durham; Mark
Richardson, Somersworth; Matt Towne, Barrington; Joe Boudreau, Rochester; Steve
Stancel, Wakefield; Katrin Kasper, Lee; Michael Bobinsky, Somersworth; Krista Gingue,
Dover; Kate Buzard, Middleton; Rick Healy, Rochester; Steve Brown, Dover; Lindsey
Williams, Dover; John Nute, Milton; Curtis Register, Durham; Don Manter, Northwood;
John Mullen, Middleton; Tom Falk, Madbury; Somersworth
Staff: Colin Lentz, Mark Davie, Jen Czysz
Commissioners and Policy members attending on Teams: John Roth, Brookfield;
Michael Miller; William Rose, NHDOT; Stephen Pesci, UNH; Kevin Sillivan, Rochester; Jack
Wade, NHDES
Guests attending on Teams: Michael Miller
Staff attending remotely: Megan Taylor-Fetter
2. Commissioner Roundtable
J. Boudreau stated he has several items to share about Rochester. First is that Rochester
will be getting a new courthouse and is looking at options for other municipal buildings.
Second, the City is currently reviewing its water and sewer rates to ensure they are
financially sustainable and responsibly managed. Consultants have been hired to evaluate
the current rate structure and provide recommendations.
In addition, the City of Rochester is taking steps to address the development of AI data
centers. City officials are working to amend ordinances to establish a clear approach.
Kyle stated that Commissioners should have received a registration link for a planned field
trip on September 24 aboard the Gundalow, part of the quarterly commissioner field trip
program. Commissioners are asked to register as soon as possible so attendance can be
confirmed before opening any remaining spots to staff, as space on the boat is limited.
The trip will depart from Adams Point near Jackson Laboratory. Organizers are working
through parking and transportation logistics, including encouraging carpooling due to

STRAFFORD REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
150 Wakefield Street, Suite 12, Rochester, New Hampshire 03867
Barrington ꞁ Brookfield ꞁ Dover ꞁ Durham ꞁ Farmington ꞁ Lee ꞁ Madbury ꞁ Middleton ꞁ Milton ꞁ New Durham
Newmarket ꞁ Northwood ꞁ Nottingham ꞁ Rochester ꞁ Rollinsford ꞁ Somersworth ꞁ Strafford ꞁ Wakefield

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limited parking availability. Highlights of the trip will include viewing the living shoreline
restoration project at Wagon Hill Farm, discussing saltwater intrusion issues affecting
Cedar Point residents, and potentially observing the area impacted by the bridge removal
project. The organizers expressed enthusiasm about the educational opportunity and the
chance to see these projects firsthand.
Kyle stated that Farmington is also looking at their water and sewer rates. Their policy has
not been updated since 2005. It was supposed to be updated every five years. looking not
only changing the rates, but a tiered system of how it should be implemented based off of
usage.
Mark Richardson reported that a proposal was presented to subdivide a long-standing
horse farm property in Somersworth. The property consists of approximately 180 acres,
with plans to retain 20 acres around the existing home and create a separate lot
containing the remaining acreage. The board's review was limited to the subdivision
request, which was approved.
Although the land is currently agricultural, some residents expressed concerns about the
future use of the newly created parcel. The developer's documentation stated that there
are no current development plans associated with the subdivision, though this does not
preclude future proposals. Several residents attended the meeting, but only one spoke
during public comment. Another piece of greenspace that will disappear unless residents
speak up against it.
M. Williams shared that COAST is working to replace its aging facility and has secured
more than $14 million in funding, primarily from federal sources. The organization is now
fundraising locally to meet the remaining funding requirements. Recently, COAST received
a $1 million challenge grant from the Thomas W. Haas Foundation. To unlock that grant,
an additional $1 million must be raised from other sources.
K. Gingue stated that Dover voted on changes on data center ordinances as well.
3. Approval of Minutes of July 17, 2026
M. Williams motioned to approve the minutes of July 17, 2026. K. Gingue seconded the
motion. The motion passed with all votes in favor by roll call. D. Manter, R. Healy,
Marshall, K. Sullivan. W Rose, J. Wade, abstained.
4. Metropolitan Transportation Plan Final Draft Presentation
Colin Lentz, Principal Transportation Planner, presented the final draft. The Metropolitan
Transportation Plan (MTP), the region’s long-range transportation plan through 2050, is
being comprehensively updated as part of the broader Regional Master Plan effort. The
update incorporates new regional data and trends, public outreach findings, revised goals
and objectives, updated transportation projects, and a fiscally constrained financial plan to
ensure projects align with realistic funding expectations. Key themes include improving
mobility options, strengthening connections between transportation and housing,
enhancing safety, maintaining transportation infrastructure, supporting trail and active
transportation networks, and promoting community accessibility. The plan also serves as

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a pipeline for future transportation projects, helping position the region to take advantage
of state and federal funding opportunities over the next 20 years.
The group discussed the Metropolitan Transportation Plan's project priorities and
emphasized the need for financially sustainable investments as project costs continue to
rise and future funding remains uncertain. Members supported focusing on lower-cost,
high-impact local projects, such as pedestrian and bicycle improvements, while also
planning for larger regional initiatives. Participants noted that many projects in the state's
10-Year Plan are experiencing significant cost increases, requiring flexibility, revised
scopes, and close coordination with NHDOT.
5. Discussion Items
a. Regional Impact Committee, Matt Towne, Barrington Commissioner
M. Towne presented on the 488-acre SELT conservation easement in Barrington, He
highlighted the positive environmental impact it has had for the community and
surrounding region. As a result they found 56 endangered species on this land being
protected. The project also protects nearly a mile of shoreline and plays an important role
in safeguarding regional aquifers and drinking water supplies used by several surrounding
communities.
b. Joint Loss Management Committee, Megan Taylor-Fetter, Office
Coordinator
M. Taylor-Fetter stated that in accordance with NH RSA 281-A:64 III for employers with
15+ employees, are required to have a joint loss management committee that promotes
workplace safety through equal employer and employee representation. The committee
meets quarterly, reviews accident data, conducts safety inspections, supports training,
develops safety programs and procedures, maintains meeting records, and annually
reviews the Wellness and Safety Policy. The current members consist of three staff, one
manager and one commissioner and should have an equal number of staff to
management. We are looking for a commissioner to volunteer to join the JLMC. D. Manter
volunteered to serve on the JLMC.
6. Citizens Forum
There were no citizens comments.
7. Other Business
J. Wade noted that NHDES has $640,000 remaining in its NH Clean Diesel Program. Next
application due date is September 20. Learn more here: New Hampshire Clean Diesel
Grant Program
The agency also has approximately $400,000 remaining for our Granite State Clean Fleets
program. Next application due date is August 31. Learn more here: Granite State Clean
Fleets Grant
S. Pesci shared that Durham and UNH have just expanded their EV charging stations in
the town, and the campus now has its first four EV charging stations. and that it has been
a collaborative locally funded project between the town and the university.

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Steve added that next month, UNH will be having a ribbon cutting (date to be announced)
for the brand new renovated compressed natural gas fueling station that fuels the
majority of our UNH Wildcat transit flee
K. Gingue shared that on September 22 Seacoast Eat Local is celebrating its 20th
anniversary with a growing together gathering and fundraiser at Saltonstall Barn in
Stratham. Krysta will share the information with Megan to distribute.
K. Kasper shared that Clean Energy has funding to help with a project called Charge
Smart. If you want to be like Durham and get more chargers in your town or want to
ensure your ordinances support EV in your town, Clean Energy would love to help.
Adjournment
Following a motion and a second to adjourn, all members voted in favor, the motion
passed. The meeting adjourned at 10:30am.

Respectfully submitted,

Megan Taylor-Fetter